The Sailing Club at UWM evolved from the Spinnakers Sailing Club, established at UWM in
1968. By the 1970s, the organization had adopted its current name. The Sailing Club at UWM
incorporated with the State of Wisconsin in 1982. The club is a non-profit, cooperative
student organization, open to all UWM students, faculty, alumni, and UWM Union members for a
membership fee. The goal of the Sailing Club is to provide safe sailing instruction, and
offers a "for credit" sailing course. The club's vessels are owned by the University of
Wisconsin System and leased to the club for a nominal fee.